Introduction
If you wear retainers, Invisalign aligners, dentures, or night guards, you’ve probably wondered: what’s the best way to keep them clean?
Many people use cleaning crystals or tablets (like Invisalign Cleaning Crystals) to soak their appliance in a fizzing solution. Others invest in an ultrasonic cleaner, which uses high-frequency sound waves to remove debris.
But which is more effective? And which option keeps your dental appliances cleaner, fresher, and lasting longer?
The answer is clear: while cleaning crystals can help, ultrasonic cleaning — especially when combined with UV protection in the Sonic Pro — is the superior method backed by science and trusted by dentists worldwide.
How Do Cleaning Crystals Work?
Cleaning crystals are chemical-based powders that dissolve in water to create an effervescent solution.
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Pros:
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Convenient single-use sachets.
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Help reduce odor and some staining.
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Cons:
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Only work on surface stains.
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Do not remove deep-seated plaque or bacteria.
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Wasteful — single-use plastics and chemicals.
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More expensive long-term.
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⚠️ Important: Crystals do not physically clean your appliance. They provide chemical soaking only — which means stubborn deposits and bacteria can remain.
How Do Ultrasonic Cleaners Work?
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves (cavitation) to create millions of microscopic bubbles that collapse against the surface of your retainer.
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These bubbles blast away plaque, food debris, and biofilm — even in hard-to-reach areas.
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When combined with water (and optional cleaning tablets), they deliver a much deeper clean than soaking alone.
📊 Science-backed: Studies show ultrasonic cleaning removes over 95% of debris and biofilm compared to brushing or soaking alone [1].
Why Sonic Pro is Different
Not all ultrasonic cleaners are created equal. The Sonic Pro is the world’s No.1 dentist-chosen ultrasonic + UV cleaner, trusted in 1,000+ dental practices and used by 500,000+ people worldwide.
Here’s why Sonic Pro stands out:
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Dual action: Ultrasonic cavitation + UV-C light for hygiene protection.
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Dentist approved: Stocked in leading practices across the US, UK and beyond.
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Award-winning design: Engineered in the UK with focus on safety, durability, and performance.
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Eco-friendly: Reusable cleaning with just water (and optional tablet), no wasteful sachets.
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Cost-effective: One-time investment vs ongoing cost of crystals.
Cost Comparison: Crystals vs Sonic Pro
| Feature | Cleaning Crystals | Sonic Pro (Ultrasonic + UV) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning method | Chemical soak only | Ultrasonic cavitation + UV |
| Effectiveness | Moderate (surface only) | High (deep clean + bacteria reduction) |
| Environmental impact | Wasteful, single-use | Reusable, low waste |
| Cost over 1 year | £80–£120 (sachets) | One-off £60–£80 |
| Dentist recommended | Limited | Yes – No.1 choice worldwide |
Do You Still Need Cleaning Tablets with Sonic Pro?
Cleaning tablets can be used as a booster with Sonic Pro — especially for extra stain removal or heavy odor days.
But unlike crystals (which rely on chemicals alone), Sonic Pro doesn’t need them to be effective.
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Use water daily in the Sonic Pro.
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Add a tablet weekly for extra freshness.
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This keeps costs down and reduces waste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use crystals inside the Sonic Pro?
A: You don’t need to — Sonic Pro is effective with just water. But you can add a Sonic Dental Cleaning Tablet as an optional booster.
Q: Are ultrasonic cleaners safe for retainers and aligners?
A: Yes. Ultrasonic cleaning is gentle, non-abrasive, and safe for plastics, metals, and acrylics.
Q: Do crystals kill bacteria?
A: They reduce some bacteria on the surface, but without ultrasonic action, biofilm and debris can remain.
Conclusion
While cleaning crystals may provide some surface cleaning and odor control, they simply can’t compete with ultrasonic + UV cleaning.
That’s why dentists worldwide recommend the Sonic Pro:
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Trusted in 1,000+ practices.
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Chosen by 500,000+ customers globally.
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Award-winning design, engineering, and performance.
👉 Make the switch today — discover the Sonic Pro ultrasonic + UV cleaner and experience the science-backed clean that’s more effective, more eco-friendly, and more cost-efficient than crystals.
References
[1] Barnes, C.M., et al. “Evaluation of ultrasonic cleaning on dental appliances.” Journal of Dentistry, 2014.
[2] American Dental Association. “Cleaning and caring for removable dental appliances.” 2021.